Clark-Peterek Belize

Black Orchids vs. Placencia Pearls

The Black Orchids have not stopped talking about our first match together back in May, and we couldn’t wait for our next game.  We played under the lights in Placencia following the Gibnuts game.  The Placencia Pearls were also excited to play. 

 

We started out strong, showing much improvement from our last game.  We communicated more and had lots more offensive play.  Once again the Gibnuts on the sidelines were great coaches, cheering and encouraging us with every play. 

 

The final score was 3-0, but despite the loss we had a great time.   The Placencia Pearls were a great team, and we had lots of fun. 

Gibnuts vs. Placencia F.C.

Last weekend we traveled to Placencia for the annual Lobster Fest Weekend Celebration and a little futbol.  The game had been planned for weeks.  There was fear that rising waters at Kendal might keep the Gibnuts from playing with a full team, but luckily the rain held off and the Gibnuts showed up ready to play. For many Gibnuts, including John, the battle again Placencia F.C. was their last game. 

 

The Placencia Futbol Club also came ready to play, and they meant business. The game was intense, but the Gibnut players never gave up.  In the end, the Gibnuts just couldn’t get it in the goal and the boys lost 2-4. 

 

It was a great game.  The Placencia F.C. really enjoyed the competition and is already planning another match. 

St. Benedict Butterflies Girls Club

The St. Benedict Butterflies Girls Club recently invited Coach Zuniga from Toledo Community College for a volleyball session.  Coach Zuniga is the husband of one of St. Benedict’s teachers, Mrs. Leticia Zuniga, and has led his volleyball team to international titles. The girls were very excited to learn the basics of volleyball.

 

We started out the session with some warm ups and stretching, followed by instruction.  We learned the very basics of hitting and serving, and practiced getting the ball over the net.  Coach Zuniga was very patient with the girls, and despite the heat, the girls had a great time.  Now every chance they get the girls are at volleyball net practicing what they learned from Coach Zuniga and ready to show anyone who will watch. 

 

Thanks Coach Zuniga for your hard work and patience.  We had a great time and really appreciate your help! 

Forest Home Methodist School Graduation

 

Families, friends, students, and community members celebrated the graduation of the Forest Home Methodist School Standard VI students last week. Unfortunately John was in Belmopan with Close of Service Medical and was able to attend, so I gladly went in his place.

The ceremony was held at Forest Home Methodist Church and the 16 Standard VI students were excited and very nervous.  During the ceremony students received diplomas, certificates, awards, and gifts.  Students spoke about their experiences and love of Forest Home Methodist School, and along with the principal spoke about John’s service and how much they appreciate the work he has done.  He was even honored with a certificate, which I accepted on his behalf.  At the close of the ceremony, the graduating class sang the Forest Home Methodist School Song one last time. 

 

It was wonderful to hear how much “Sir John” has touched the lives of so many at Forest Home Methodist School. I only wish he was there to hear it himself.  His work at Forest Home is truly appreciated, and it is obvious how much he will be missed.   It was a beautiful celebration, and I was honored to attend. 

 

St. Benedict Butterflies

Recently the St. Benedict Butterflies headed to the school kitchen to make play dough. This simple recipe was lots of fun to make, and the girls had a great time taking turns mixing, stirring, and kneading the play dough. Though a little messy, it was a fun afternoon

Work continues on the school mural, and be on the lookout for the completed project.

FHMS Goodbye Dinner

During the last week of school the staff from Forest Home Methodist School surprised John with a goodbye dinner at Miss Marian’s Restaurant.  John had no idea the teachers were planning a dinner and was so surprised when he walked upstairs to the restaurant.  The food was delicious, and the teachers enjoyed reminiscing about the past two years of John’s service.  The teacher presented John with a gift, and then we all enjoyed cake together.  It is obvious that that John has had a positive impact on these teachers. 

It was a very nice dinner, and a great way to celebrate John’s time at Forest Home Methodist School. 

St. Benedict R.C. School Luncheon

Last week the staff and PTA of St. Benedict R.C. School honored those who have served the school in the past year.  John and I, a few other Peace Corps Volunteers, and community members who have given their time to St. Benedict were honored with a school luncheon.  It was also a time to say goodbye.

The staff made all of my favorite Belizean foods: chicken, meatballs, stew beans and white rice, and fried plantain. The food was delicious. The staff and PTA also presented each guest with a gift.

 It was such a nice luncheon, and we had a great time!

The staff at St. Benedict are fantastic!  I have truly enjoyed my time at St. Benedict, and I will be sad to leave.

Little Flower R.C. School Graduation

Graduation from primary school is widely celebrated throughout the country of Belize, and last week we attended graduation ceremony of the Standard VI students from Little Flower R.C. School.

Teachers, family, and friends gathered to celebrate in Forest Home Village. Students were excited and ready for the ceremony. The Minister of Human Development and Social Transformation, the Honorable Eden Martinez was the guest speaker. Students received diplomas and awards and performed a song for the audience. John was even honored for his service at Little Flower and received a certificate and gift. After the ceremony we enjoyed a wonderful dinner with the faculty and staff of Little Flower.

We had a lovely time and we enjoyed the celebration.

St. Benedict Butterflies

The St. Benedict Butterflies have been very busy working on a school mural, but recently we invited Miss Maria to demonstrate how to crochet. The girls were very excited about learning how to crochet. Miss Maria was very patient with the girls, and each took turns practicing starter knots. We also took some time to create string art with left over string from previous craft projects.

The girls had a great time and can’t wait for Miss Maria to return and continue the crochet lessons.

Japan International Cooperation Agency

As we are approaching the final weeks of our service in Belize, we have begun to say goodbye to so many. Last week we said farewell to Haruka, Yuki, and Noriko, our friends and fellow development volunteers living and working in the Toledo District.

Haruka, Yuki, and Noriko are Japanese Overseas Cooperation Volunteers serving with JICA, part of Japan’s international development assistance effort. Like Peace Corps Volunteers, JICA Volunteers serve a two year term working with community members in capacity building and institutional development.

Both Haruka and Yuki worked at local schools assisting and training teachers in Physical Education. Noriko worked with the Toledo Development Cooperation. Haruka worked alongside John at Little Flower R.C. School, and both Yuki and Haruka lived in our apartment complex.

We have really enjoyed getting to know and working with Haruka, Yuki, and Noriko, and they will be greatly missed.